KEENE, NH – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will conduct a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) Wednesday afternoon.

According to a news release from FEMA, the test will consist of two portions, and both are scheduled to begin at about 2:20 pm ET Wednesday, October 4th.

The purpose of the tests is to ensure that the systems remain an effective way to warn the public about emergencies, particularly those on the national level.

The WEA portion of the test will be directed to all consumer cell phones, and will display a message, similar to the one pictured above in either English or Spanish, depending on your device’s language settings.

At 2:20 ET Wednesday afternoon cell towers will begin to broadcast the test for approximately 30 minutes, during which time WEA-compatible wireless phones that are turned on and within range of an active cell tower and whose provider participates in WEA will receive the message one time.

Those who have emergency cell phones stashed away will want to ensure they are switched off, or that you’re able to get to them to dismiss the message.

Locally, SAU 29 reminded the community of the test Tuesday afternoon, as it’s likely that there will be classrooms full of cell phones that will sound the alarm unless the phones are turned off.

The EAS portion will be sent to radios and televisions and will be similar to the regular monthly tests that the public should be used to.

Should the test be postponed due to widespread severe weather or other significant events, it’ll be held on October 11th.